The New York Knicks' fierce rivalry with the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s is etched in NBA history. Under Coach Pat Riley, the Knicks adopted a gritty, blue-collar persona, aiming to counter the Bulls' dominance led by Michael Jordan. John Starks, tasked with guarding Jordan, shared insights on their strategy, emphasizing their defensive approach while respecting Jordan's talent. Starks highlighted how Riley's hard-nosed mentality shaped the team, including players like Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley. Starks earned recognition for his composure against Jordan, demonstrating effective defense despite the immense challenge.

Starks' journey in the league is remarkable; he overcame being undrafted and evolved into a key player for the Knicks. Winning the Sixth Man of the Year award illustrated his growth, yet his performance waned after Riley's departure. His tenure with other teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls, showcased both struggles and flashes of brilliance. Though he never secured an NBA title, Starks' contributions to the Knicks remain significant, symbolizing resilience and determination.

The Golden State Warriors have a rich history, with more than 600 players donning over 60 different jersey numbers since their inception in 1946. Among these, the No. 9 jersey has been worn by 15 players, including notable guard John Starks. After going undrafted in 1988, Starks joined the Warriors in 1998, playing parts of three seasons with the team. He also had a stint with the New York Knicks before his eventual trade to the Chicago Bulls in 2000. During his time with Golden State, he averaged 11.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, primarily wearing jersey numbers 30 and 9.